When I returned to the room assigned to me for rest. I flicked the light switch. The soft glow filled the room—and my eyes widened slightly at the sight before me. Yelena was sprawled across my bed, her blonde hair a bit messy, her expression calm yet mischievous.
"I was tired of waiting for you," she said casually, her voice carrying that familiar hint of sarcasm and warmth.
I raised an eyebrow, closing the door behind me. "What are you doing in the dark?"
Yelena sat up, crossing her legs with deliberate grace. "I promised you I'd give you something in return for saving me from the Raft," she said, her tone suddenly serious. "So here I am. I'm the gift. I'm offering myself to you."
For a moment, I just stared at her—then I laughed.
Her expression shifted instantly; she stood up and walked toward me, her eyes narrowing. "I'm serious," she said, her voice low but firm.
"I know," I replied, still smiling.
"Then why are you laughing?" she asked, stopping right in front of me, hands on her hips.
I leaned slightly closer, meeting her gaze. "Because from what I've learned about you, you're not the type to lower yourself to being someone's gift. So what's really going on, Yelena?"
For a moment, she stayed silent—then she laughed, a soft, genuine sound that seemed to carry both sadness and resolve. "Well, tomorrow we're all going toward certain death," she said, shrugging lightly. "So before that, I want to fulfill my dream—and my parents' too." She met my eyes, a small smile forming. "That dream is to finally get myself a boyfriend. Believe it or not, I really like you. And… I think my parents would too."
Her tone softened, her eyes searching mine. "So… wouldn't you take me tonight?"
Her honesty caught me off guard for a moment. The air between us grew heavy — not just with desire, but with the weight of what tomorrow held. I reached out, cupping her face gently before pressing my lips to hers. The kiss was deep but short, lingering with meaning rather than lust.
When I pulled back, I whispered, "If you hadn't told me the reason, I would've made you mine tonight."
She blinked, confusion flickering across her face. "Then why not?" she asked, stepping closer, twirling slightly, her tone turning playful. "Aren't I sexy?"
That earned another laugh from me — quieter this time, softer. "Yes," I said, "you are. More than you know. But I'll make you mine after this battle. And for your knowledge…" I leaned closer until my breath brushed against her ear. "…you're not going toward certain death. I'm still here."
She stared at me for a moment, her bravado cracking just a little. "And what if I die?" she whispered.
"Then I'll just resurrect you," I said simply. "After all, you still haven't fulfilled your promise."
That drew a small, genuine smile from her — the kind that melted the iron walls she always kept around herself.
Yelena exhaled slowly, her tension easing. "You really don't know how to take a gift, do you?"
"I do," I said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But I'd rather earn it."
She gave a mock sigh, half-amused, half-defeated, and turned back to the door. "Fine. But don't think you're getting away forever. After this fight, I'll collect what's owed."
I grinned. "I'll be waiting."
And as I turned off the light, her voice came softly through the dark:
"Don't die tomorrow."
"Like I will." I said. "I still owe you a night worth living for."
~~~